An assistant soccer coach at Vernon Hills High School was charged Friday with criminal sexual assault in relation to at least 12 encounters with two male students, according to Vernon Hills police.

Cori Beard, 28, of the 300 block of Farmington Lane, Vernon Hills, was taken into custody for questioning Thursday evening shortly after a parent contacted a school employee, who then contacted police, said Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick Kreis.

A third student has been identified but is not part of Friday’s charges, Kreis said. Police believe there could be other victims and Kreis encourages parents and students to contact the police department or a school official.

“The investigation is still ongoing and fluid, and when it involves juvenile victims we deal with things in the most sensitive ways possible,” Kreis said. “If people have hesitancy to contact the police department, we encourage them to go to a teacher or counselor or some other third party. They should talk to someone.”

Police do not believe the 12 acts occurred on school property, Kreis said.

“Elements of these offenses include the fact that she was in a position of trust at the school, and there are high standards that come with that trust,” Kreis said.

The sexual acts took place between December 2016 and February 2018 and some occurred while one or both students were under the age of 17, according to Kreis.

The Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center assisted in interviewing the students, Kreis said.

Beard has been an assistant coach for both the boys and girls soccer teams since 2013, according to a statement from High School District 128.

“Upon learning of her possible criminal conduct involving a student, the administration, working cooperatively with the police department, took measures to assure that Beard would have no further contact with students or staff,” the school statement says. “The District 128 Board of Education will take action on Beard’s dismissal at its next meeting.”

After charges were approved by the Lake County State’s Attorney on Friday, Beard appeared in court Saturday morning and was remanded to the Lake County jail on a $1 million bond.

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority, and Community High School District 128 regrets the pain some individuals may be experiencing as a result of recent allegations made regarding the conduct of District 128 employee Cori Beard,” the school’s statement reads.

News articles from the time indicate that Beard is a graduate of Vernon Hills High School and played soccer at the school.